Yet another percolator

[justjunque]

Another trip to the thrift store, another percolator that I couldn't pass up.
It seems like no collection is complete without at least one Farberware Superfast.
So, today, I got one. It's a 12 cup version. On the bottom, where it says "Model", it has J6 and 142B.
I don't have pictures yet, because she's dirty. I'm thinking this one might be a good candidate for the dishwasher detergent cleaning! It's not disgusting inside, but it's definitely stained. And, being all stainless, I'm thinking it should come out good!

I do have one question, right off the bat. On the stem, or perk tube, I usually see them with some sort of coating on the lower half. Some, I've seen with chunks missing. Well, mine is completely missing.
Is it still okay to use it without that coating, or should I start searching eBay for a replacement part?
Okay...two questions.
Y'all have mentioned powdered dishwasher detergent, or a pod. All I currently have on hand is Cascade liquid. Do you think that would work, or should I get something in powder or pods? If so, what brand do you recommend?
Thank you again!

Barry

 

[ea56]

Barry,
Congratulations on another percolator score! The piece that you think is missing on the tube is made of some sort of ceramic material. On the newer Farberware percolators they weren't used anymore, so you can still use yours without this part.

You could try the liquid DW detergent and see if it works, it probably will. But if it doesn’t I always preferred using the powdered DW detergent over the pods, just because its less expensive.

Good luck with your new toy. I’ve owned several of these Farberware percs, their weak spot are the thermostats. When they fail they tend to shut off the perking action before the brew has reached the proper temp of around 190 F, or they won’t stay on low heat to keep the coffee hot. This is especially true of the newer models made in China, which are PURE junk! You want a Farberware perc thats made on New York, the Bronx, Brooklyn or Yonkers, the China made pots are no bueno.

Eddie

 

[justjunque]

Thanks, Eddie.
This one is definitely an old timer. Made in USA.
It says:
FARBERWARE INC
A Hanson Company
Bronx, NY 10461

Let's hope it brews properly, and keeps the coffee hot!

 

[justjunque]

Cleaning cycle

Well, after shining up the outside as best I can, I just ran a cleaning cycle with liquid Cascade DW detergent.
I'm still waiting for it to sit and soak for a while.
I do have some concern about its working condition. I filled it to the 12 cup mark. So, I'm guessing it should have taken about 12 minutes to perk. I didn't time it, but it seemed to me that it stopped sooner than that.
Also, when it first stopped perking, I poured a cup of the detergent water into a coffee mug, and put a digital meat thermometer into it. It only showed 166 degrees. I don't know if that's not the best type of thermometer to use, or if the percolator is not getting the water hot enough.
At least I got it cheap. If it's not working properly, as much as I hate to, I guess I'll just toss it.
We'll see if I was successful at getting the inside clean, at least.

 

[justjunque]

Post cleaning update

Well, after letting it sit for about a half an hour, I dumped out the slightly discolored water, and gave it a light going-over with a dish brush. You guys nailed it with the DW detergent! Every old coffee stain is gone!
Also, as per suggestion, I ran a follow-up cycle with clear water, and I timed it. For 12 cups, the perking stopped at just a tick under 12 minutes. And, I did the same meat thermometer test when it finished, and it showed 182 degrees this time.
Like I said, I hate to scrap a nice looking old "Made in USA" percolator, if it has some life left in it.
Maybe, tomorrow morning, I try brewing a pot of coffee in it.

 

[justjunque]

Post cleaning update

Well, after letting it sit for about a half an hour, I dumped out the slightly discolored water, and gave it a light going-over with a dish brush. You guys nailed it with the DW detergent! Every old coffee stain is gone!
Also, as per suggestion, I ran a follow-up cycle with clear water, and I timed it. For 12 cups, the perking stopped at just a tick under 12 minutes. And, I did the same meat thermometer test when it finished, and it showed 182 degrees this time.
Like I said, I hate to scrap a nice looking old "Made in USA" percolator, if it has some life left in it.
Maybe, tomorrow morning, I try brewing a pot of coffee in it.